Healthy Savannah kittens at A1 Savannahs – Photo by Michael @ PoC
A kitten growth chart based on weight gain is presented below. The best test as to whether a kitten is doing well is through a steady increase in weight.
If the kitten fails to gain weight the situation needs to be appraised. Several kittens not gaining weight may be because the mother is not getting enough calories. Three times the normal amount of calories are required by the nursing mother. Her diet needs to be balanced.
“Inadequate milk is a common cause of death in kittens.” The major cause of inadequate milk from the mother is a poor diet for her. Toxic milk from her and acute metritis are other possibilities1.
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| This is an A1 Savannahs Savannah kitten – photo copyright Kathrin Stucki |
An accurate gram scale is required. This is one example on the USA market:
When things look wrong:
| Event | To do |
| One kitten in a litter is 75% (three quarters) the weight of his or her litter mates | Place this kitten in an incubator and raise by hand |
| Kittens gain weight “steadily during first 7 days”1. | Do nothing different |
| Kitten loses no more than 10% of body weight at birth over first 48 hours and then gains weight. | Watch this kitten closely |
| Kitten loses no more than 10% of body weight at birth over first 48 hours and then does not gain weight within a further 72 hours. | Supplemental feeding of this kitten is required urgently |
Kitten Growth Chart — Note:
1. Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook, Fully Revised and Updated
